The S&S thoughts: Sincere and Silly. From the beaches of the Hawaiian shores to the Inland Empire of the Southern California landscape, to the high arches of St. Louis to the cultural history of Memphis, to where I call home now, this is my story, thoughts and hopes.

WoW TONO Thoughts

DEFINED ME ...

Some might say that I am off-the-wall, but I am right-on-the-shelf in the library under unique, Made-in-Hawaii, TONO.--July 2004

GOD'S WISDOM ...

I define true wisdom when God is magnified and glorified through His character. I am privileged to play a role with believers and stories where God and His Son is exalted! For God, be the praise and honor!--August 15, 2009

This turns out to be the #1 personal story of 2009, the pictures and the experience. It was a little more than a full week of FUN with my Sunshine. It might have been cloudy on certain days. But she was there to shine the light on the journey.

We thought we'd share the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. It was our third trip there. We circled the Mountains, and drove through part of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I will work on the story ... the TONO thoughts later in the week ... in between work!

December 26, 2013

Mahalo this Holiday Season for those with Empathy!

After yesterday, let me say a warm Hawaiian Mahalo to all of you who have expressed support and prayers during this time after tomorrow would be two weeks since my Mom had a stroke. If you haven't been informed or read, my Mom is in a hospice and is there to comfort her during the closing days. We don't know how long it will be, though. As many of you may not understand, it's in His hands, in His timing, and in His plan.

This really is my inner mood expression ...

I do know one thing for sure. This time has really opened the lines of communication with my families, and people that I know in passing, who have come up to me and talked with me and offered their support. I have no doubt that when we think about all the problems in the world, the ability to communicate with each other, the willingness to empathize, and the humbleness, at times, to compromise, is what the full design of what life is all about. It's not about what we possess, where we hang out because it gives us a higher status in life, but it's the ability to relate to one another. As with many lessons in life, the encouraging words of support during this time has really helped me appreciate what empathy does on the receiving end of the personal struggles of a loved one.

I know that I have a lot to learn about this, even at the age of 50! I hope that everyone out there in my family and friend land that you all had a memorable Christmas. Always remember, it's about the people who matter to you and who you want to make a difference in their lives that is more important than anything else!

As I work on my top 7 personal stories of 2013, this theme will be prominent in the year's stories. Stay tuned for what those stories will be!

Comments

Mahalo this Holiday Season for those with Empathy!

After yesterday, let me say a warm Hawaiian Mahalo to all of you who have expressed support and prayers during this time after tomorrow would be two weeks since my Mom had a stroke. If you haven't been informed or read, my Mom is in a hospice and is there to comfort her during the closing days. We don't know how long it will be, though. As many of you may not understand, it's in His hands, in His timing, and in His plan.

This really is my inner mood expression ...

I do know one thing for sure. This time has really opened the lines of communication with my families, and people that I know in passing, who have come up to me and talked with me and offered their support. I have no doubt that when we think about all the problems in the world, the ability to communicate with each other, the willingness to empathize, and the humbleness, at times, to compromise, is what the full design of what life is all about. It's not about what we possess, where we hang out because it gives us a higher status in life, but it's the ability to relate to one another. As with many lessons in life, the encouraging words of support during this time has really helped me appreciate what empathy does on the receiving end of the personal struggles of a loved one.

I know that I have a lot to learn about this, even at the age of 50! I hope that everyone out there in my family and friend land that you all had a memorable Christmas. Always remember, it's about the people who matter to you and who you want to make a difference in their lives that is more important than anything else!

As I work on my top 7 personal stories of 2013, this theme will be prominent in the year's stories. Stay tuned for what those stories will be!